This is it! FINAL University-wide Commencement email

Tassel-turning energy is coming. May 15-18, 2025Hello graduates!

Commencement week is here, and below is the final info for what to expect for University-wide Commencement at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, May 16, at Canvas Stadium.

Read these commencement week reminders, and remember the commencement website has answers to all your questions.

Reminders and tips:

  • Senior Send-Off is May 15-16: Join other graduates at the Iris and Michael Smith Alumni Center at Canvas Stadium for regalia steaming (get out those wrinkles!), cap decorating, champagne toasts, and more. If you still need to pick up, purchase or exchange regalia, this is the place to go!
  • Arrive early for University-wide Commencement: Beat the traffic and arrive early to take pictures around campus, enjoy the food trucks outside Canvas Stadium, and even enjoy CSU Bookstore and Lory Student Center food court extended hours.
  • Parking on May 16: Remember you have ONE parking pass for you and all your guests, please plan accordingly. Commencement parking passes are required all day May 16 and are assigned to specific parking lots. Parking help or want alternative transportation info?
  • All guests must have a ticket for University-wide Commencement: Make sure you download your guest tickets and give them to your guests, or they won’t be able to get into Canvas Stadium on Friday. Graduates do not need a ticket. If you still need tickets, guests can go on Friday to the Box Office at Canvas Stadium (northwest side) and pick up tickets. Ticket help?
  • Clear bag policy at Canvas: This goes for grads and guests – keep it simple and know the rules.
  • You’ll be outside for hours: Don’t forget sunscreen! Sunscreen = good. Burn = bad.

What to expect at University-wide Commencement on May 16:

  • 6:30 a.m.: Parking lots open – remember all parking on campus on Friday, May 16 requires a lot-specific commencement parking pass. View the parking map.
  • 8 a.m.: Senior Send-Off begins at the alumni center
  • 2:30 p.m.: Graduate processional security screening and line up on the northside of Canvas Stadium.
  • 2:30 p.m.: Doors open for guests to get into Canvas Stadium. Seating is first-come, first-served and requires a ticket. ADA seating is available throughout the venue.
  • 4 p.m.: Graduates will walk into Canvas Stadium by college and are seated on the field.
  • 4:30 p.m.: The event begins and includes presidential remarks and a commencement speech from CSU alumnus Eugene Daniels, MSNBC Senior Washington Correspondent, co-host of MSNBC’s “The Weekend and president of the White House Press Correspondents’ Association.
  • 6 p.m.: The event ends and graduates will walk together out of the stadium.
  • Please determine a place to meet your guests OUTSIDE of the stadium following the event.

We’ll see you Friday at University-wide Commencement, grads!

Congratulations, Class of 2025!
The Commencement Planning Team